Ceramics: hand-build your own bird

Celebrate National Bird Week 2026 by sculpting your favourite feathered friend in clay. Whether you're ready for the Aussie Bird Count, enchanted by eastern rosellas, mad about magpies or besotted with bin chickens, our experienced tutor will guide you every step of the way.

Over two Sunday afternoon sessions, you'll learn how to hand-build an earthenware bird sculpture using a range of ceramic techniques. In the second session, you'll experiment with underglazes and carving techniques to decorate your piece with unique colours, textures and patterns.

Full instruction is provided on materials, tools, equipment and studio procedures.

By the end of the course, you'll have created your own distinctive ceramic bird ready for firing and display.

Week 1: Sunday 18 October, 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Week 2: Sunday 25 October, 1:30pm to 3:30pm

• Small class size

• Level: designed for all level students

• Wear: comfortable clothing and enclosed shoes

• Bring: please bring your own apron and towel

• The ticket purchaser must hold a valid concession card

Your work will be fired and ready to collect 4 weeks after the course. We are unable to fire any pieces made outside of the course.

We aim to present inclusive and accessible events. If you have any particular access or communication needs please contact Pine Street Creative Arts Centre on 02 9265 9333 or pinestreet@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

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Image: This ‘kiln god’ talisman in the form of a tawny frogmouth watches over the Pine Street Ceramics Studio firing process, created by Emily Burke.